NASEEM IS BARRED FROM AMERICA

Jeff Powell

Last updated at 00:00 26 October 1998

PRINCE NASEEM HAMED'S world title fight schedule was thrown into chaos yesterday when he was refused permission to enter the United States.

Naseem ran into unexpected visa problems shortly before he was due to leave London for Atlantic City, where he is due to defend his WBO featherweight championship against Wayne McCullough on Saturday night.

confusion seems to have arisen because Warren is legally bound to place his fighter with an American promoter while the King situation remains unresolved.

So instead of starring in a glitzy publicity event in New York's Times Square this morning, Naseem will be at the U.S. Embassy in London trying to clear formalities.

He is expected to fly out this afternoon but will miss at least one scheduled training session. Naseem was already thought by some American fight experts to be cutting it fine by leaving Sheffield for the States so late.

Naseem: stuck Rumours here that the holdup may be connected with Frank Warren's financial dispute with rival American promoter Don King proved to be unfounded.

It appears the documentation for Naseem's work permit was incomplete. The